Bruce Schultz Healthy Lifestyle Coach

08/31/2026

Could G*E Offer Relief for Chronic Knee Arthritis?

For people living with knee osteoarthritis, pain can gradually affect walking, sleep, exercise, and everyday activities. Treatments such as physical therapy, medication, injections, and joint replacement may help, but they are not ideal or effective for everyone. A newer option called genicular artery embolization, or G*E, is being studied as a minimally invasive way to reduce arthritis-related knee pain.

What Is G*E?

Genicular artery embolization is a catheter-based procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Rather than replacing the knee joint or repairing damaged cartilage, G*E targets abnormal blood vessels around the knee that are associated with inflammation.

With osteoarthritis, the lining around the joint can become irritated and develop an increased supply of small blood vessels. These vessels may contribute to persistent inflammation and pain. During G*E, a physician guides a thin catheter through an artery, usually from the groin or wrist, to the blood vessels surrounding the knee. Tiny particles are then released to reduce blood flow to selected abnormal vessels.[1][2]

The procedure is performed with imaging guidance, allowing the physician to treat specific vessels while attempting to preserve the normal circulation needed by the knee and surrounding tissues.

What Happens During the Procedure?

G*E usually begins with a local anesthetic to numb the catheter-entry site. Patients may also receive medication to help them relax, although general anesthesia is typically not required.

The physician uses contrast dye and live X-ray imaging to map the arteries around the knee. After identifying vessels that appear to be contributing to inflammation, the physician injects very small embolic particles. The catheter is then removed, and pressure or a bandage is placed over the entry site.

Because there is no large incision, G*E is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. Many patients can return home the same day, although recovery instructions vary by medical center and by the patient’s health.[3][4]

Potential Benefits and Limitations

The main goal of G*E is to reduce pain and improve function. Some patients report better mobility and less discomfort after treatment, while others experience limited or temporary improvement. Pain relief may occur gradually rather than immediately.

G*E does not rebuild cartilage, straighten a severely damaged joint, or correct every cause of knee pain. It may be considered for selected people with osteoarthritis, particularly those who continue to have symptoms despite conservative treatment or who want to postpone knee replacement.[5][6]

The treatment is still relatively new for knee osteoarthritis. Although it is available at some hospitals and specialty centers, its long-term effectiveness, ideal patient selection, and insurance coverage continue to vary. In some settings, it is considered investigational for osteoarthritis rather than an established replacement for standard treatments.[7]

Risks and Questions to Ask

Potential complications include bruising or bleeding at the catheter site, temporary worsening of knee pain, skin discoloration, infection, or a reaction to the contrast dye. Rarely, particles may travel to unintended vessels and affect nearby skin or tissue.

Before considering G*E, a patient should ask:

1. What is causing my knee pain?
2. Have nonsurgical treatments been adequately tried?
3. Is my arthritis severity appropriate for G*E?
4. What results does this center typically see?
5. What are the alternatives, including continued therapy, injections, or knee replacement?
6. Will my insurance cover the procedure?

G*E may become a useful tool for managing selected cases of knee osteoarthritis, but it is not a universal solution. A consultation with both an orthopedic specialist and an experienced interventional radiologist can help determine whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks for an individual patient.

Sources
[1] Genicular artery embolization for treatment of knee ... - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9971280/
[2] Geniculate Artery Embolization (G*E): A Minimally Invasive ... https://radiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/services/geniculate-artery-embolization-gae-minimally-invasive-option-manage-knee-pain-osteoarthritis
[3] Genicular Artery Embolization (G*E): What It Is & Procedure https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/genicular-artery-embolization-gae
[4] Knee Embolization for Osteoarthritis - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvSWa7P-aEM
[5] Genicular Artery Embolization (G*E) https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/radiology/interventional-radiology/treatments-procedures/genicular-artery-embolization-gae
[6] Genicular artery embolization for knee pain | Ohio State Health ... https://health.osu.edu/health/bone-and-joint/genicular-artery-embolization-for-knee-pain
[7] Little-Used Procedures May Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/therapy-options-for-osteoarthritis-pain

08/13/2026

HbA1c vs. HOMA-IR

HbA1c and HOMA-IR measure different parts of blood-sugar health.

HbA1c shows average blood glucose over the previous two to three months. It is commonly used to identify and monitor prediabetes and diabetes. An HbA1c below 5.7 percent is generally normal, 5.7 to 6.4 percent indicates prediabetes, and 6.5 percent or higher may indicate diabetes.[1][2]

HOMA-IR estimates insulin resistance using fasting glucose and fasting insulin. A higher result can mean the body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar controlled.[3]

The usual formula, when glucose is measured in mg/dL, is:

HOMA-IR = fasting insulin × fasting glucose ÷ 405

The main difference is simple: HbA1c tells you how high blood sugar has been over time, while HOMA-IR estimates how hard the body may be working to keep blood sugar under control.

It is possible to have a normal HbA1c and a high HOMA-IR. This can happen when insulin levels rise to compensate for insulin resistance before blood glucose increases.

HbA1c is used for diabetes diagnosis. HOMA-IR is mainly used as additional context because there is no single cutoff that applies to everyone.[1][4]

Sources
[1] A1C Test for Diabetes and Prediabetes - CDC https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-testing/prediabetes-a1c-test.html
[2] The A1C Test & Diabetes - NIDDK https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/a1c-test
[3] HOMA-Estimated Insulin Resistance Is an Independent Predictor of ... https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/25/7/1135/21634/HOMA-Estimated-Insulin-Resistance-Is-an
[4] Updated Review of HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for ... https://mdcalc.scholasticahq.com/article/154184-updated-review-of-homa-ir-homeostatic-model-assessment-for-insulin-resistance

08/12/2026

Social Security Adds 14 Health Conditions to Disability Fast-Track List

The Social Security Administration has added 14 severe medical conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list, a program designed to speed disability decisions for people whose diagnoses clearly meet the agency’s standard for disability benefits. The expansion brings the list to 314 conditions.[1]

Faster decisions for severe conditions

The Compassionate Allowances program uses technology and medical evidence to identify claims that may qualify for an expedited decision. It applies to both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claims.[2]

For people coping with life-threatening cancers, rare genetic syndromes or serious neurological disorders, the designation can reduce the time spent waiting for a disability determination. SSA says more than 1.2 million people have been approved through the accelerated process since the initiative began.[1]

A Compassionate Allowance does not replace the normal application process. Applicants still submit a disability claim and medical records, but SSA can flag eligible cases for faster review, including through electronic medical-record retrieval in some cases.[1]

The 14 additions

- Adenylosuccinate Lyase Deficiency — Neonatal Form and Type 1
- Aicardi Syndrome
- Baraitser-Winter Syndrome
- Beare-Stevenson Cutis Gyrata Syndrome
- Bohring-Opitz Syndrome
- CASK-Related Gene Disorders
- Hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma
- Lafora Disease
- Malignant Migrating Partial Seizures of Infancy
- OPHN1 Syndrome
- Primary Cardiac Sarcoma
- Primary Intracranial Malignant Melanoma
- Uveal Melanoma with Metastases
- Warburg Micro Syndrome[1]

Why the expansion matters

Many of the newly listed conditions are rare disorders that affect infants and children, while several are aggressive cancers. The additions reflect the program’s goal of identifying illnesses where the severity of the condition is sufficiently clear that applicants should not face the standard, often lengthy disability-review timeline.[2]

SSA develops its Compassionate Allowances list with input from medical and scientific experts, the National Institutes of Health, disability-determination professionals, public outreach and advocacy organizations. The agency says the list primarily includes certain cancers, adult brain disorders and rare childhood diseases.[2]

What applicants should know

People with one of the listed diagnoses should apply for disability benefits through SSA and provide complete medical documentation. SSA’s systems are intended to identify eligible Compassionate Allowances claims; a separate fast-track application is not required.[1]

The expansion may offer critical relief to families facing urgent medical and financial pressure, helping eligible applicants obtain a decision sooner while they manage severe illness.

Sources
[1] Social Security Accelerates Access for Individuals with Severe Disabilities https://www.ssa.gov/blog/en/posts/2026-08-11.html
[2] Compassionate Allowances Website Home Page https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/

08/12/2026

As we continue to improve our understanding of the drivers of cognitive decline—and as drugs that reduce amyloid and tau have failed to yield cognitive improvement—new therapeutic targets are being revealed and exploited. One new drug that repairs DNA damage and reduces neuroinflammation, called KCL-286 and originally developed for spinal cord injury, has been tested in mice (surprisingly, the publication did not report its effect on cognition!), and its ameliorative effect on inflammation and DNA damage makes it a candidate for use in Alzheimer’s. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010118.htm

08/01/2026

IMMUNOLIN is a branded dietary ingredient made from serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate, often abbreviated as SBI. It is a highly purified, dairy-free protein sourced from bovine plasma and used in supplements and medical foods to support digestive health, gut barrier function, and mucosal immune balance. Unlike colostrum-based products, IMMUNOLIN contains no lactose or milk proteins, making it suitable for people with dairy sensitivities.

What IMMUNOLIN Is Made Of

IMMUNOLIN is more than 90 percent protein and contains over 50 percent immunoglobulins by weight, with immunoglobulin G (IgG) as the dominant antibody. In addition to IgG, it includes other bioactive serum proteins such as transferrin and various peptides naturally present in bovine serum. The ingredient is manufactured under cGMP conditions in FDA-inspected facilities and has self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status for use in foods and dietary supplements.

How It Works in the Gut

The primary action of IMMUNOLIN occurs inside the intestinal lumen, where its immunoglobulins bind to microbial components, endotoxins, and other inflammatory antigens that are naturally present in the digestive tract. By neutralizing these compounds before they can interact with the intestinal lining, IMMUNOLIN helps reduce local immune activation and inflammatory stress. This supports gut barrier integrity, promotes a balanced intestinal environment, and helps maintain normal mucosal immune activity without disrupting beneficial commensal bacteria.

Documented Uses and Benefits

Research on serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin supports several areas of use:

- Digestive comfort and stool consistency: Clinical studies report improvements in stool form and reductions in common digestive disturbances.
- Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D): Human trials show fewer symptom days and better quality of life in people with IBS-D.
- HIV-associated enteropathy: Studies demonstrate improved digestive function and nutritional status in this population.
- General gut and immune support: By binding inflammatory antigens, IMMUNOLIN may help maintain a healthy gut barrier and support normal immune activity in the mucosa.

Some users also describe secondary benefits such as clearer skin and improved mental clarity, which are often attributed to reduced gut-driven inflammation, though these claims are more anecdotal than rigorously established.

Safety and Tolerability

Across more than 45 human clinical trials, no adverse effects have been consistently attributed to SBI itself. Commonly reported side effects, when they occur, are mild and may include headache, nausea, stomach cramps, constipation, or mild skin rash. IMMUNOLIN is generally well tolerated, but it is not suitable for people with alpha-gal syndrome or a beef allergy, as it is derived from bovine sources. As with any supplement, individuals with serious medical conditions or those taking multiple medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Typical Dosage and Use

IMMUNOLIN is incorporated into capsules, powders, and medical foods at doses that vary by goal:

- Maintenance and general immune support: around 1 to 2 grams daily.
- Targeted gut support or healing protocols: often around 5 grams daily.
- Acute gastrointestinal issues under professional guidance: up to 10 grams or more per day in some protocols.

Specific dosing depends on the product formulation and individual needs, so label directions or a clinician’s advice should be followed.

IMMUNOLIN Versus Colostrum

IMMUNOLIN is frequently compared to bovine colostrum because both provide immunoglobulins for gut and immune support. Key differences include:

- Source: IMMUNOLIN comes from bovine serum proteins; colostrum is derived from milk.
- Dairy content: IMMUNOLIN is dairy-free and lactose-free; colostrum contains dairy components that may trigger sensitivities.
- Concentration: IMMUNOLIN offers a highly purified, standardized immunoglobulin content within a greater than 90 percent protein matrix, whereas colostrum’s immunoglobulin content can vary more widely.
- Evidence base: IMMUNOLIN as SBI has been studied in dozens of human trials across specific gastrointestinal conditions.

For people seeking a dairy-free, highly standardized immunoglobulin ingredient with a strong clinical record for gut-related indications, IMMUNOLIN is often positioned as a preferred alternative to colostrum.

Practical Considerations When Choosing a Product

When selecting a supplement containing IMMUNOLIN, look for:

- Clear labeling of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate or IMMUNOLIN as the active ingredient.
- Transparent dosing information and third-party testing for purity and potency.
- Formulations aligned with your goals, such as general wellness, IBS-D support, or medical food for chronic diarrhea.

As with any supplement, it is best used as part of an overall approach that includes a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and appropriate medical care when needed.

Sources
[1] IgG Powders (Raspberry and Lemon Lime) https://store.atlantafunctionalmedicine.com/products/igg
[2] Serum-Derived Bovine Immunoglobulin Promotes Barrier ... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38892520/
[3] ImmunoLin® for Digestive Health and Immune Supporthttps://phb1.com/content/uploads/2023/06/ImmunoLin-FAQ.pdf
[4] ImmunoLin® - Clinical Research Data Summary https://www.silverfernbrand.com/pages/immunolin-clinical-research-data-summary
[5] Immunolin https://phb1.com/product/immunolin/
[6] The Powerful Benefits of ImmunoLin® – AMMD https://www.amymyersmd.com/blogs/articles/the-powerful-benefits-of-immunolin-r
[7] ImmunoLin vs. Colostrum | Which Immune Support is Best? https://www.guttogetherprogram.com/immunolin-vs-colostrum/
[8] Brain Basics Ultra Pure IgG Supplement - Dairy-Free ... https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Basics-Dairy-Free-Immunoglobulin-Servings/dp/B08KHSZV34
[9] Immune globulin bovine (oral route) - Side effects & dosage https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/immune-globulin-bovine-oral-route/description/drg-20110230

07/30/2026

Scientists may have identified a powerful metabolic switch inside our cells, but it is not a weight-loss treatment yet.

Researchers studying a mitochondrial protein called MTCH2, nicknamed Mitch, found that removing it dramatically changed how cells manage energy. In human cells grown in the lab, deleting MTCH2 increased mitochondrial activity and created a much higher demand for fuel, causing the cells to consume more carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids to keep functioning.[1]

The study also examined pre-fat cells. Without MTCH2, these immature cells had a harder time developing into mature fat-storing cells, suggesting that the protein helps create the metabolic conditions needed for normal fat-cell formation.[1]

Earlier animal research points in the same direction. Mice lacking MTCH2 specifically in their muscles used more energy, showed greater endurance, and were protected against diet-induced obesity. Together, these findings suggest that MTCH2 helps determine whether cells conserve fuel or burn it.[2]

That makes MTCH2 an interesting target for future obesity research, especially if scientists can find a way to increase energy expenditure without the same drawbacks as appetite-suppressing drugs. But the work is still early-stage. Researchers have not shown that blocking MTCH2 is safe or effective in humans, and they have not proven that an MTCH2-based treatment would preserve muscle mass.[1]

If you want, I can also turn this into a shorter news brief or a more polished magazine-style rewrite.

Sources
[1] High-energy demand and nutrient exhaustion in MTCH2 ... https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.15.571941v1.full-text
[2] Loss of Muscle MTCH2 Increases Whole-Body Energy ... https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211124716300249
[3] Opposing effects of genetic variation in MTCH2 for obesity ... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35904451/
[4] The modified mitochondrial outer membrane carrier ... https://rupress.org/jcb/article-abstract/220/11/e202103122/212670
[5] MTCH2 in Human White Adipose Tissue and Obesity https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/96/10/E1661/2836368
[6] How a Small Protein Plays a Large Role in Mitochondrial ... https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/how-a-small-protein-plays-a-large-role-in-mitochondrial-function
[7] The mechanistic role of metabolic gene MTCH2/mtch-1 in ... https://grantome.com/grant/NIH/R01-AG060490-01A1
[8] MTCH2 is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein insertase https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add1856
[9] MTCH2 in human white adipose tissue and obesity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21795451/
[10] Mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 (MTCH2): the recruitment ... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22326460/
[11] MTCH2 acts as a doorway for proteins into the ... https://www.news-medical.net/news/20221020/MTCH2-acts-as-a-doorway-for-proteins-into-the-mitochondrial-membrane-study-reveals.aspx
[12] MTCH2 in Metabolic Diseases, Neurodegenerative ... https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/DDDT.S460448
[13] MTCH2 modulates CPT1 activity to regulate lipid ... https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63880-7
[14] Silencing the expression of the MTCH2 protein in human ... https://www.instagram.com/p/DbQkGhKEolo/
[15] MTCH2 As A Critical Biological Switch Between Fat ... https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mtch2-critical-biological-switch-between-fat-burning-dr-gene-vjb1c

07/28/2026

A new eye implant that may help blind people regain sight has been cleared for use in Europe. The device, called Prima, was developed by a US company, Science Corporation. This approval allows doctors in the European Union to begin treating patients and marks a step toward wider use.

The implant is meant for people with advanced macular degeneration, a disease that damages central vision and is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. In severe cases, it accounts for most legal blindness in the United States.

The system works by placing a small wireless chip under the retina during surgery. Patients wear special glasses with a camera that captures what is in front of them. The glasses send the visual data as near infrared light to the chip, which turns it into electrical signals that the brain can read as images.

Early testing showed that some patients could recognize faces and read again. One person completed a full novel, while others were able to do puzzles or draw simple images. These results show real progress, though the vision is still limited.

The current version does not restore full sight. Users describe it as seeing through a narrow area in the center of their view. The company says it is working toward sharper detail and the ability to see color more clearly.

The device is expected to be very expensive, though efforts are underway to have some of the cost covered by health systems. Initial treatments are likely to begin in Germany, where earlier trials took place.

Other companies are also working on similar ideas. Neuralink is developing its own vision implant, though it has not yet tested it in people.

07/26/2026

07/22/2026

Brief pulses of carbon dioxide may activate the brain’s waste clearing system, according to early research from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and the Mind Research Network. In that study, short CO2 rich air cycles were linked to increased movement of cerebrospinal fluid and higher blood levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including tau and amyloid beta.

The work is still early and should not be treated as a proven treatment for dementia. It suggests a possible new way to study brain cleanup while people are awake, but larger trials are needed before any real treatment claims can be made.

Source: Ryman, S. 2026. “Intermittent Carbon Dioxide Exposure and Glymphatic Clearance of Tau,” presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London.

Sources
[1] MRN, UNM, and VA Research the Effects of Using CO2 to Stimulate ... https://innovations.unm.edu/2026/01/29/mrn-unm-and-va-research-the-effects-of-using-co2-to-stimulate-brain-waste-removal/
[2] Inhaling high-dose CO2 clears Alzheimer's proteins from ... https://www.newscientist.com/article/2580471-inhaling-high-dose-co2-clears-alzheimers-proteins-from-the-brain/
[3] Harnessing brain rhythms to activate the glymphatic pathway via controlled breathing and intermittent CO2 - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41355053/
[4] The influence of intermittent hypercapnia on cerebrospinal fluid flow and clearance in Parkinson's disease and healthy older adults - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41271795/
[5] The influence of intermittent hypercapnia on cerebrospinal ... https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-025-01179-6
[6] Carbon Dioxide 'Pulses' Clear Toxins From Parkinson's Brains in Recent Study https://www.sciencealert.com/carbon-dioxide-pulses-clears-toxins-from-parkinsons-brains-in-recent-study
[7] EXPRESS: Oscillating Hypercapnia Induces Neural Abundant Protein Efflux and Potential Depletion in Health and Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42206757/
[8] Breathing CO2 to Boost Brain Detox? What the Latest Study Reveals https://drperlmutter.com/breathing-co2-boost-brain-detox-latest-study-reveals/
[9] Local Researchers Partner with the VA Technology Transfer ... https://innovations.unm.edu/2026/06/26/local-researchers-partner-with-the-va-technology-transfer-program-to-advance-prototype-to-treat-parkinsons-and-alzheimers-disease/
[10] Carbon Dioxide Pulses Boost Brain Clearance, Show Promise for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5pA-c-gQjo

Read more here: https://darkbluecat.net.ua/uk-uapulsujuchij-vugleki...

06/30/2026

Teucrium Marum Verum 30 is used when there is strong itching inside the nose, repeated sneezing, and a blocked feeling that does not clear easily.

Lemna Minor Q is considered when the nose stays blocked for a long time and the sense of smell is weak or lost.

Sanguinaria Canadensis 30 is linked with right sided nasal trouble, with headaches and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the nose.

Calcarea Carbonica 30 is used in people who get colds again and again and tend to form polyps over time.

Kali Bichromicum 30 is chosen when there is thick, sticky discharge that may be yellow or green along with the polyps.

Thuja Occidentalis 30 is used where polyps come back and there is unusual tissue growth.

Phosphorus 30 is considered when the nose bleeds easily along with the presence of polyps.

Silicea 30 is used in long lasting cases where infections keep returning.

Mercurius Solubilis 30 is linked with bad smelling discharge and clear signs of irritation or swelling inside the nose.

Pulsatilla 30 is used when there is nasal blockage with thick yellow discharge that tends to get worse later in the day.

These options are chosen based on the full picture of a person’s symptoms. They do not replace a proper medical check. Large or repeated nasal polyps should be looked at by an ear, nose, and throat doctor before starting any treatment.